Nobody ever wants misfortune to come their way. We would rather that everything in life is in order - that we are enjoying meaningful relationships with friends and families, experiencing success, have good health, lead a fun and interesting life. We want life to unfold exactly as we would like it. Unfortunately, life doesn't happen that way.

 

 

Misfortune comes in different ways and in the most unexpected of times. In some cases misfortune seems to come at the worst possible time. Some misfortunes are maybe of our own doing, but many others we simply have no control over.

 

I listened to a homily the other day given by a priest from a certain missionary religious order. He told of the story of a boy who was dealt a very bad hand. He lost his left arm due to an accident. As expected the boy was devastated and lost his passion for life. What was once a vibrant and active boy who played all kinds of sports now stayed inside at home not wanting to be with anyone. 

 

After months of pleading his mother finally convinced him to try out wrestling with his local school. It was difficult at first but he seemed to have taken a liking to the sport. His instructor showed him one particular 'move' which he was asked to practice over and over, day-in and day-out. From time to time the boy would complain and plead to be taught other 'moves' only for his pleading to fall on deaf ears. His instructor kept giving the same instruction to practice the same 'move'. One day his instructor entered him in a competition. The boy was apprehensive about entering the tournament with just one 'move' but his instructor was adamant, wanting him to try out his newfound skill. 

 

To his surprise the boy won the first round of competition. He barely survived but also won the second round. On the third round, he had a lot of trouble. He was getting tossed around so much the referee asked the instructor if the boy should quit and throw in the towel. His instructor left him there. Miraculously the boy won again. Immediately after winning the third round people could hear the boy complaining loudly to his instructor that he should have taught him more moves. He really had a rough time. In the end no one could believe the boy won the entire tournament! 

 

On their way home the boy asked his instructor how this could have been possible. The instructor simply said that it was due to two things:

1. First, the boy has been practicing the same move for so long he has already perfected the move.
2. Second, there was only one known way to counter this particular move --- and that is to pin down the person's left arm! (remember, the boy didn't have one).

Yes, life throws us misfortunes. That is simply part of life. But sometimes what may appear to be our greatest disadvantage may lead us to something we would not have discovered otherwise had the misfortune not happened. In some cases, it may even lead us to greatness. 

 

No one wants misfortune to come their way. But when they do, we are faced with a choice of how to deal with the misfortune. We either change and adapt or become bitter and let the misfortune rule our life for the worst. Misfortune demands a change from us. These changes may not be what we planned, they may not be pleasant, but if looked with the eyes of hope and faith, and with perseverance, they will almost always lead us to something good.

 

As a Christian when I encounter misfortune I find hope in the Cross. I am reminded of Jesus who took all of life's misfortunes - abandonment, darkness, loneliness, sinfulness, sufferings, destruction and turned them into the greatest gift of all. That through Christ's suffering on the cross, death and sin will not have the last word. That life's misfortunes will not have the last say - if I remain faithful to Him. That all things work for good for those who love God. That I can begin again today with God's grace in spite of life's challenges. Who knows, I may even discover something new and wonderful.

 

Thank you for being part of the Catholic World Mission family and for your continued support of our collective mission to alleviate material and spiritual poverty around the world. I wish you continued blessings.